Buying guide for Best countertop microwaves
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More affordable than built-in or over-the-range (OTR) microwaves, countertop microwaves are fairly basic. They sit on the counter, plug into an electrical outlet and are easy to move around.
To find the right one for you, the first features to look at are size and capacity. Most people want a microwave that’s big enough to do what they need it to do — but not so large that it takes over their entire counter or cart.
Next, look at power, measured in watts. The higher the wattage of a microwave, the faster and more evenly it heats food (around 800 to 1,200 watts is ideal).
Once you’ve decided on size and power, consider the other features you need. What kind of controls does it have? How loud is it? Does it have a display? Is it simple to clean? Will it look good in your kitchen? Note, too, that a countertop microwave should be easy for one person to lift. If you’ve got small children, look for one with a child safety lock.
Some microwaves have inverters that allow them to heat food more evenly than regular microwaves, avoiding burned spots and dried-out food. Inverter microwaves can be more expensive than regular microwaves and may interfere with Wi-Fi signals, but many people find the quality of the food they cook to be worth it.
We scrutinized countertop microwaves for size, capacity, wattage, ease of use, how quickly and evenly they heat and defrost food, and how they set up and look. We think the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is the top choice among countertop microwaves for its size and features.
Editors' Picks
Product Dimensions: 16" D x 20.6" W x 11.8" H | Capacity: 1.2 cu ft | Material: Stainless Steel | Wattage: 1,000 W | Special Features: Eco+Mute Function, Humidity Sensor, Pre-programmed Sensor Menu
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave machine hits the sweet spot for a balance of style and functionality. Its sleek black stainless steel design fits well into any modern kitchen without taking up too much precious counter space.
We love how the preprogrammed sensor menu takes the guesswork out of cooking, and the Eco+Mute is great for those looking to reduce their energy useage.
Some users note mixed performance, with occasional delays in heating, but the overall sentiment is positive. If you want a dependable, stylish microwave, this one is a great choice.
Product Dimensions: 13" D x 17.3" W x 10.2" H | Capacity: 0.7 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 700 W | Special Features: Preprogrammed buttons, sensor technology for optimal results and child-safety lock
The Black+Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse that fits perfectly into small spaces. It has intuitive preprogrammed buttons for popular foods, so you can effortlessly cook or reheat meals at the touch of a button. The sensor technology adjusts cooking times for optimal results, delivering consistent performance.
The overall value and effectiveness seem to hit the nail on the head for most users — — though some have reported mixed experiences with noise and heating distribution. If you're seeking a reliable, user-friendly microwave that doesn’t take up much room, this model might be your best bet.
Product Dimensions: 13" D x 17.3" W x 10.2" H | Capacity: 0.7 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 700 W | Special Features: Child safety lock, mute function, energy-saving Eco mode
The Comfee' 0.7-Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave strikes a balance between size and functionality, making it an ideal choice for those of us with limited countertop space. We really appreciate its convenience features, like one-touch cooking for your favorite snacks and the silent mode for avoiding pesky beeps.
The energy-saving Eco mode is a real winner, saving power and keeping things efficient, although there are some complaints about it not cooking food quickly enough. The child safety lock is a godsend for those of us with little curious hands around. Overall, this microwave is a solid addition to any kitchen.
Product Dimensions: 19.6" D x 24.4" W x 13.6" H | Capacity: 2.2 cu ft | Material: Metal | Wattage: 1,200 W | Special Features: Eco+Mute, Turntable, Humidity Sensor
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave offers a blend of power and convenience. With its 2.2-cubic-foot capacity and 1,200 watts of power, you can easily fit a large pizza or whole chicken for those family dinners or festive occasions.
The intuitive humidity sensor and six auto menus ensure your meals are cooked evenly, while features like the Eco mode and mute function add a thoughtful touch for energy efficiency and quiet operation.
While some users mention varied experiences with noise and heating times, the overall sentiment is that this microwave delivers consistent performance and ease of use. If you're looking for a kitchen appliance that combines functionality with a sleek design, then this one is worth checking out.
Product Dimensions: 19" D x 20.43" W x 12.44" H | Capacity: 1.2 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 1,250 W | Special Features: Sensor iQ Technology for precise cooking, Power Smoothing Inverter for even heating, quiet operation
From a brand known for its sleek high-end cooking appliances, the Breville BMO850BSS Smooth Wave Countertop Microwave Oven seems to have all the bells and whistles that make it a standout in any kitchen.
Equipped with Sensor iQ technology, it can automatically adjust its power to cook or reheat food evenly. The quiet operation and soft-close door make this a solid choice for early risers who don't want to wake their family. And its 15 preset functions help you whip up meals without overheating them.
Users have praised its high build quality, while others have found it a tad unpredictable. Still, with its beautiful brushed stainless steel design and thoughtful features, such as the child-safety lock and the "a bit more" button that adds extra time without starting a new cycle, this microwave is a great addition to any home.
Product Dimensions: 16.5" D x 20.2" W x 12" H | Capacity: 1.1 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 1,000 W | Special Features: Multiple auto cook menu settings, lightweight and easy to move, sleek design
The Farberware Countertop Microwave impressed us with its lightweight, sleek design and user-friendly packaging, though it did take up more space than we’d like on a countertop.
In testing, it reheated meals evenly; meat stayed juicy, vegetables were tender, and most frozen dinners came out just right, though pizza lacked crispness and meatballs toughened at full power until we adjusted to a lower setting.
The multiple presets and power levels give it welcome flexibility, but the controls aren’t very intuitive without reading the manual. We also found the dim interior light and smudge-prone exterior to be drawbacks. Overall, it’s a dependable, versatile option for busy households or students who want quick, consistent results without the bulk of heavier models.
Product Dimensions: 17.1" D x 20.5" W x 12.8" H | Capacity: 1.2 cu ft | Material: Stainless steel | Wattage: 1,100 W | Special Features: Smart Sensor, one-touch popcorn, easy-to-clean interior
The Toshiba ML2-EM12EA Countertop Microwave stood out to us for its sleek design, larger interior and impressively quiet operation; it's easily one of the quietest we've ever tested.
Despite being heavier to unbox, it fit perfectly in the kitchen and looked sharp in black. The controls are intuitive and responsive, and features like the single-touch popcorn button and smart sensor worked better than expected, producing evenly cooked results in less time than our previous microwave.
Reheating soup, curry and pasta sauce was thorough and fast, though pastries overheated if left for the full 30 seconds. Cleanup was simple thanks to the spacious interior, and overall build quality felt a step above typical models. For anyone who relies heavily on their microwave for frozen meals, leftovers or quick snacks, this Toshiba is a reliable, high-performing choice that delivers speed and convenience with style.
How we tested
After researching the top countertop microwaves on the market, we narrowed our list down to the microwaves above and tested the Farberware and Toshiba models in the following areas.
Ease of use
- Unboxing and setup: We noted how the microwave was packed, how easy it was to unbox, how heavy it was to lift, and what accessories it came with.
- Controls and display: We evaluated how easy it was to operate microwave controls and how informative, visible, and legible each display was.
- Cleaning and maintenance: We evaluated how easy and convenient it was to clean the interior and exterior of the microwave and noted whether the exterior seemed to attract dirt or blemishes.
Quality
- Noise level: We checked how loud the microwave was during operation, taking note of any beeps or sounds.
- Heating food: We tested how well the microwave heated food, checking evenness, doneness, and how long it took.
- Defrosting food: We tested how quickly and thoroughly the microwave defrosted food, both raw and prepared.
- Power levels: We evaluated how to set different power levels on the microwave and their effects on cooking time and doneness.
Advanced features
- Special features: We tested the performance of special features, such as automatic food settings for popcorn and pizza, as well as the quality of the sensor-based cooking.
Key considerations
Cooking presets and sensor technology
When you’re reheating leftovers or making a quick snack, having the right preset can save you time and hassle. Many microwaves now come with one-touch buttons for popular foods like:
- Popcorn: automatically pops without burning half the bag.
- Baked potatoes: cooks through without leaving cold spots.
- Pizza: reheats slices without turning them into rubber.
- Beverages: warms drinks without boiling them over.
Beyond these, some models include sensor cooking. This feature measures steam or humidity inside the microwave and adjusts cook times automatically. For example, if you’re heating soup, the microwave will stop when the sensors detect it’s hot enough instead of following a fixed timer.
Control panel and display
How you interact with your microwave matters just as much as what’s inside. A frustrating control panel can make even the best model feel like a bad buy.
Common control styles include:
- Touch panels: sleek and modern, but harder to use with wet or messy hands.
- Raised buttons: easier to find by feel, but can trap crumbs and grease.
- Dials: simple and intuitive, but less precise for setting exact times.
We also look at the display. A good display should be bright, easy to read from different angles, and clear about what’s happening. Some models show power levels, countdown timers, and even cooking stages. If you have low lighting in your kitchen, backlit displays are worth prioritizing.
Turntable vs. flatbed design
Most microwaves have a turntable that spins food for more even cooking. They’re simple, familiar, and generally effective. But they do have downsides:
- They limit the size and shape of dishes you can fit.
- Food can tip or slide during cooking.
- Cleaning requires removing and washing the plate and support ring.
A flatbed design takes a different approach. Instead of a moving plate, the microwave uses rotating antennas underneath the floor to distribute heat. The benefits are:
- More usable interior space for large or oddly shaped dishes.
- A smooth surface that’s easier to wipe clean.
- No moving parts to misalign or break.
Noise level
Microwaves aren’t known for being whisper-quiet, but some are definitely louder than others. If you live in a small space, cook late at night, or have a sleeping baby nearby, noise might be one of the most important considerations on your list.
When we evaluate noise, we look at:
- Operational hum: the baseline sound when it’s running.
- Beep volume: how loud the alerts are at the end of cooking.
- Other noises: clunks or vibrations from loose parts or uneven surfaces.
Some microwaves include a mute function that turns off the beeps completely, which can be a lifesaver in shared or quiet households.
FAQ
Q. What is the average lifespan of a countertop microwave?
A. A countertop microwave oven should last seven to 10 years without needing major repair. If you’re starting to notice odd smells, sounds, or an uneven performance, these might be signs that it’s time to repair or replace your microwave.
Q. Do microwaves interfere with TV reception?
A. If you use an indoor over-the-air antenna, running your microwave could cause some interference with your TV signal. This also goes for AM and FM radio and WiFi networks in the 2.4-gigahertz range. Microwave energy is emitted in the radio frequency range, so it could conflict with other appliances that use radio waves.
Q. Why shouldn't you stand in front of the microwave?
A. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against standing directly in front of or up against an operating microwave for long periods of time. This is to avoid very rare instances of being exposed to microwave radiation from a broken or poorly sealed microwave. It’s not a likely scenario, but to be safe, avoid staring into the microwave while it’s on. Your pizza won’t heat any quicker!
